Report finds social work failings

The council's social work structures have been criticised

A string of failings in social work services in Dumfries and Galloway has been blamed on a lack of leadership by the department's senior management.

Systemic issues which have undermined services and left staff demoralised were outlined in a critical report by the new Social Work Inspection Agency.

The SWIA has produced a list of 24 recommendations for improvement.

The council's minority Labour administration pledged to take "every necessary step" to improve services.

The council has already announced plans for major changes in the management structure of the department.

The SWIA identified serious shortcomings in social services across the region.

The department's performance rating ranged from "weak" to "adequate" across nine categories, while leadership was classed as "unsatisfactory".

Inspectors said the department suffered from a lack of vision and its complex structure had led to confusion about accountability.

There has been a massive lack of professional and political leadership in social services for the past few years but we will ensure this leadership is now delivered Councillor Willie Scobie

Front line staff and middle management were credited with performing well and striving to deliver quality services.

However, their efforts were hampered by a lack of direction from the top and staff morale was described as low.

Serious communication failures were also highlighted in the report.

The SWIA described the range and quality of local social work provision as uneven, with geographical inequalities.

The social work inspectors called for the council to review and simplify the overall management structure.

The Labour group claimed the report had highlighted failings under the previous SNP and Liberal Democrat administration.

'Key findings'

Councillor Willie Scobie, convener of the education and community services committee, said: "The Labour administration recognises the urgent need for change and we will make sure this happens.

"There has been a massive lack of professional and political leadership in social services for the past few years but we will ensure this leadership is now delivered."

Council Chief Executive Phil Jones said he would be leading the changes in the social work department.

He confirmed that external professionals would be appointed to assist with developing an action plan within the next 12 weeks.

After discussions with Education Minister Peter Peacock it has been agreed the action plan will be submitted by the end of November this year.

"This plan will address all key findings and provide details of how the recommendations will be implemented, resourced and monitored in partnership with SWIA," said Mr Jones.